
PS 3531 

_ |.p. nternatlonal Copyrighted (in England, her Col- 

H37 W5 es, and the United States) Edition of the 

Works of the Best Authors 

IIIMIIMIIIIIIIMIMIIIIIIIIirilllllllllllllllllllllllllMliltllllllllllMIIMIIIIIMIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMIIIIIMIIIIIIIUIIinMI^ 



No. 442 



WITCHES' HOUR AND 
CANDLE LIGHT 



A ONE ACT PLAY 



PAULINE PHELPS and MARION SHORT 



Copyright, 1922, by Samuel French 
All Rights Reserved 



CAUTION — Professionals and amateurs are hereby 
warned that "WITCHES' HOUR AND CANDLE 
LIGHT," being fully protected under the copyright 
laws of the United States and Great Britain, is 
subject to a royalty, and anyone presenting the 
play without the consent of the author or their 
authorized agents will be liable to the penalties 
by law provided. Applications for professional 
and amateur acting rights must be made to Sam- 
uel French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. 



Price 30 Cents 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

28-30 West 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



IIIIIMIIIItllllHIIIII 



THE REJUVENATION OF AUNT MARY. 

The famous comedy in three acts, by Anne Warner. 7 males, 6 
females. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

This is a genuinely funny comedy with splendid parts for Aunt 
Mary" "Jack," her lively nephew; "Lucinda," a New England an- 
cient 'maid of all work; "Jack's" three chums; the Girl "Jack" loves; 
"Joshua," Aunt Mary's hired man, etc. 

"Aunt Mary" was played by May Robson in New York and o» tour 
for over two years, and it is sure to be a big success wherever i>ro- 
duced. We strongly recommend it. Price, 60 Cents. 



MRS. BUMSTEAD-LEIGH. 

A pleasing- comedy. In three acts, by Harry James Smith, author of 
"The Tailor-Made Man." 6 males, 6 females. One interior scene. 
Costumes modem. Plays 2% hours. 

Mr. Smith chose for his initial comedy the complications arising 
from the endeavors of a social climber to land herself in the altitude 
peopled by hyphenated names — a theme permitting innumerable com- 
plications, according to the spirit of the writer. 

This most successful comedy was toured for several seasons by Mrs. 
Fiske with enormous success. Price, 60 Cents. 



MRS. TEMPLE'S TELEGRAM. 

A most successful farce in three acts, by Frank Wyatt and Wil- 
liam Morris. 5 males, 4 females. One interior scene stands through- 
out the three acts. Costumes modern. Plays 2J^ hours. 

"Mrs. Temple's Telegram" Is a sprightly farce In which there Is 
an abundance of fun without any taint of Impropriety or any ele- 
ment of offence. As iioticed by Sir Walter Scott, "Oh, what a 
tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." 

There is not a dull moment in the entire farce, and from the time 
the curtain rises until it makes the final drop the fun is fast and 
furious. A very exceptional farce. Price, 60 Cents. 



THE NEW CO-ED. 

A comedy in four acts, by Marie Doran, author of "Tempest and 
Sunshine," etc. Characters, 4 males, 7 females, though any number 
of boys and girls can be introduced in the action of the play. One 
interior and one exterior scene, but can be easily played in one inte- 
rior scene. Costumes modern. Time, about 2 hours. 

The theme oif this play Is the coming of a new student to the col- 
lege, her reception by the scholars, her trials and final triumph. 

There are three especially good girls' parts, Letty, Madge and 
Estelle, but the others have plenty to do. "Punch" Doolittle and 
George Washington Watts, a gentleman of color, are two particularly 
good comedy characters. We can strongly recommend "The New 
Co-Ed" to high schools and amateurs. Price, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street. N«w York City 

tffw ami Extiiictt Descriprive Catilogus Maited Free on Re«wst 



WITCHES' HOUR AND 
CANDLE LIGHT 

A ONE ACT PLAY 



BY 
PAULINE PHELPS and MARION SHORT 



Copyright, 1922, by Samuel French 
All Rights Reserved 



CAUTION. — Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned 
that "WITCHES' HOUR AND CANDLE LIGHT," 
being fully protected under the copyright laws of the 
United States and Great Britain, is subject to a royalty, 
and anyone presenting the play without the consent of 
the author or their authorized agents will be liable to 
the penalties by law provided. Applications for profes- 
sional and amateur acting rights must be made to Samuel 
French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

28-30 West 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH. Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND, W. C. 2 






"WITCHES' HOUR AND CANDLE LIGHT" is fully 
protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. 

Permission to act. to read publicly, or to make use of 
this play must be obtained from Samuel French, 28-30 
West 38th Street, New York. 

It may be presented by amateurs upon payment of a 
royalty of five dollars for each performance, payable to 
Samuel French one week before the date when the play 
is given. 

Professional rates quoted on application. 

Whenever the play is produced the following notice must 
appear on all programs, printing and advertising for the 
play : "Produced by special arrangement with Samuel 
French of New York." 



©cm 6277-1 



laC 



CHARACTERS 

Boyd Warren A patriotic soldier 

RuFUS Endicott A Boston Tory 

Jason Endicott' s serving-man 

Angela Endicott Riifus Endicott' s daughter 



H0U13'22 



WITCHES' HOUR AND 
CANDLELIGHT 



Time: Halloiv-e'en October 31, 1776. 

Place : Boston. 

Scene: Living-room in Rufus Endicott's house, 
furnished in Colonial style. Huge fireplace in 
flat zvifh open fire. Candelabra on mantelshelf. 
At right of fireplace a tall clock stands. Door 
L. in flat. Door r. A closed door L. Against 
wall R. a mirror hangs. Heavy chair near fire- 
place. Small table l. with chair beside it. Other 
furnishings ad lib. 

Discovered : Curtain rises on empty room. Babel 
of excited voices heard in distance. 

Voices. (Outside) "This way." "Try the cross- 
roads." "He made for the meadow, I saw him !" 
"Shoot him on sight." 

(Shouts continue in distance. Enter Boyd Warren, 
door in flat. He hastily closes it behind him, 
bolts it and stands panting against it for a mo- 
ment. He is a zveU-built, smooth-shaven young 
man. He zvears a much zvorn and patched Con- 
tinental uniform and hat, with handkerchief 
knotted loosely about his neck.) 



6 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

Endicott. (Outside) They'll catch the spy be- 
fore daybreak, neighbor — catch him and put an end 
to him. 

Warren. (Hoarsely) They're at my heels! 

(Looking for a place to hide, approaches door R. 
Stops as he hears Angela's voice.) 

Angela. (From off r.) Leave the door unbolted, 
Jason. Father has not yet come in. 

Warren. Angela Endicott's voice! Her house! 

Endicott. (Pounds on door in flat) Jason! 
Jason ! 

Warren. Some hiding place there must be! 

Endicott. What, dumbhead, have you locked me 
out? 

Warren. (With sudden inspiration) The clock! 
(Steps inside door of clock and closes it,) 

Endicott. Odd's death ! Are your ears stuffed 
with cotton? A man locked out of his own house 
while you sleep like the seven sleepers! Jason, let 
me in! Angela, girl, where are you? 

Angela. (Off r.J Coming, father. 

Endicott. What are you all about to keep me 
standing here? 

Angela. (Enters from r., carrying a candle. She 
wears a quaint costume of fiozvered brocade, low 
shoes with silver buckles, and her hair in curls) 
I was curling over a wicked curl that ever comes un- 
curled, and you flustered me so with your roaring. 

Endicott. If you do not come this instant 

Angela. I'm coming. (Stops just before she 
reaches door.) Are you sure it's you, father? 

Endicott. Who else should break his knuckles on 
the door at this hour of the night? 

Angela. (Admits him, then sets candle on the 
table. Endicott is a stout, pompous looking man 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 7 

about fifty years of age. He is dressed in the cos- 
tume of a zvell-to-do Tory. He is rosy of counte- 
nance, loud-voiced and testy in uianner) I'm sorry I 

was so slow, but this stubborn curl (Holds out 

one of her curls.) 

Endicott. (Interrupts, testily) Curling your 
hair, and it near twelve at night! A vain jade, a 
vain jade, if you are my daughter. Come, get off 
to bed ! 

Angela. Not yet, father. Going to bed is so 
monotonous. I'd rather dance the night away than 
sleep and sleep and sleep ! Jason snoring in the east 
chamber, and you 

Endicott. I never snore ! 

Angela. And since to-night is Hallowe'en, with 
goblins, elves and sprites a-pattering on the roof 

Endicott. Hah ! Hallowe'en ! Confess to me that 
you were sitting up 'till twelve in hopes to work a 
witch-charm, and I'll shake you, Missy! 

Angela. (Defiantly) I was sitting up 'till twelve 
in hopes to work a witch-charm. 

Endicott. (Loses his temper) How dare a 
daughter of mine — shake you I will ! (Takes An- 
gela hy shoulders and shakes her until her curls 
bob.) Now think you to work a foolish spell? 

Angela. My brains are so shook out of place I 
cannot think at all. And my curls are all askew ! 

Endicott. You are as vain as a peacock. To 
bed! 

Angela. Why shouldn't I be vain, when every- 
one says I resemble you ? 

Endicott. (Mollified) So you do, (growing se- 
vere again) but vanity were a sin. To bed, I said. 

Angela. Yes, I have the Endicott beauty, and 
am the belle of Boston town, so they say. 

Endicott. You babble words but for an excuse 
to keep awake. 



S WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

Angela. But of course all we Endicotts cannot 
have so find and straight a nose as yours. 

Endicott. (Pleased, yet frying to be severe) Sit 
down awhile if nothing else will do you. 

Angela. Tell me, father, what was all that noise 
I heard outside before you came? 

Endicott. (With pompous seriousness) There 
have been goings on this night. 

Angela. (Eagerly) Has Lord Howe outwitted 
the Yankees at last? 

Endicott. (Discontentedly) As well try to out- 
wit the weasel and the fox. (Produces handbill 
front his pocket.) This very night a rascally rebel 
boldly entered Lord Howe's house, and at the point 
of a musket forced from his secretary the plans of 
the next attack. 

Angela. But surely they captured the knave? 
They tore the plans from his hands? 

Endicott. (Rather sheepishly) Nay, he took 
them by surprise. 

Angela. Did they not even tweak the nose of 
the Yankee rebel? 

Endicott. Am I not telling vou he gave them the 
slip? 

Angela. Oh. the blind, senseless dolts ! 

Endicott. The whole town is in an uproar and 
searching for him, but he has disappeared as if the 
earth had swallowed him up. 

Angela. And with the plans for our next attack 
upon his person ! Oh. a shame upon Lord Howe's 
secretary to be brow-beat in such craven fashion ! 
And by a puny rebel ! 

Endicott. Tut ! Tut ! Dwell upon your own 
shortcomings, Missy. I have not forgot how you 
hobnobbed with that rebel from Hartford town. 

Angela. That was last May-day at my cousin's 
garden party — before the war had come. 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 9 

Endtcott. He had the rehel look upon him even 
then, yet you secretly stole away from the dance to 
hang upon his arm 

Angela. (With girlish indignation) I did not 
steal away. I walked holdly by his side with half 
the maids in Boston envyin^^ me. 

Endtcott. Remember how at the first alarm he 
arrayed himself on the side of the Yankees, and 
rushed ofif to Bunker Hill. 

Angela. Why remind me of him. father? Why 
harp upon one whom I have put from my thoughts 
forever ? 

Endtcott. To take down your conceit. 

Angela. What paper have you there? 

Endtcott. (Displays liandbill) The next best 
thing to the thief himself — a minute of his form 
and features taken from the secretary's own lips. 

Angela. Read it. I'll hold the candle for you. 
father. 

(She gets candle, comes hack of Endtcott and holds 
it over his should e?'.) 

Endtcott. My eyes are dim save in good day- 
light. (Reads.) "A youth of goodly height and 
agile build." 

Angela. Oh, let me get that by heart, so I'd know 
the knave at sight should I ever meet him. (Moves 
candle agitatedly.) 

Endtcott. Wench, you need not set my wig afire 
and burn my ears. I am not the spy. 

Angela. The candle wobbled a bit, that's all. 

Endtcott. Well, wobble no more such wobbles : 
(Reads again.) "A vouth of goodlv height and agile 
build." 

Angela. (Mischievously, but half sadly) That's 



10 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

different from old Peter Stirling^ with spring-halt in 
his knees. 

Endicott. For shame, baggage. It ill becomes 
you to speak thus lightly of your future lord. 
(Reads.) **A neatly curled wig." 

Angela. Peter's wig is always lank, and hangs 
in strings like the feathers of a rain-wet rooster. 

Endicott. (Angry) Why talk of Peter? 

Angela. (Sighs) Yes, why indeed? Go on with 
the spy. 

Endicott. "Comely of features, but with eyes 
most sinister." (With great satisfaction.) Sinister 
eyes have all the Yankees — 'tis a mark set upon 
them. 

Angela. (Drenmily) Child-like, and frank, and 
brown as leaves in Autumn ! 

Endicott. Hey? 

Angela. No wonder my mind wanders. You 
read as slowly as Parson Trueblood on a Sabbath 
morning. (SJie leans and reads over his shoulder.) 
*'Dressed in uniform much worn and patched." 

Endicott. Nine-tenths of this rabble that call 
themselves soldiers have not a decent coat to their 
backs. (Yells, as Angela brings' candle over his 
other shoulder.) Now you're burning my other ear! 
FTold that candle up, no, down — the other way! 

Angela. (Angry) I'll not hold it at all since you 
choose to fly at me. Oh. but you Endicotts are a 
temperish race ! (Sets candlestick zmth a hang on 
the table.) I'm glad I am calm like my mother's 
people. I would not so forget my dignity for a 
thousand candle flames. (Picks up a chair and sets 
it dozvn with a bang.) 

Endicott. (Takes up candle) Now, I'll read in 
peace. 

Angela. (Puts fingers in ears) I'll not listen 
to a word of it. I've lost all interest. 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT ii 

Endicott. "A long scar across his left hand," 

Angela. (Excitedly) That's a mark to know him 
by ! 

Endicott. You are not listening. (^Angela pouts.) 
"A long scar across his left hand ! A badge that 
may make him suffer for his bold deed. If Provi- 
dence but once places him within our power 

(Pause.) Hark ! 

Angela. (Listens) What is it, father? 

Endicott. I thought I missed the ticking of the 
clock. 

Angela. Twas wound yesternight. (Listens.) 
Yes, it has stopped. 

Endicott. Most likely that dunder-head Jason has 
moved it and wrought mischief with the weights. 
(Shouts heard outside in distance.) 

Angela. Still hunting for the spy! 

Endicott. (His mind still troubled over the 
clock) I'll rate him well to-morrow. 

Angela. Oh, if I were only a man to join in 
the chase ! 

Endicott. 'Twas the good Lord's wnsdom to cre- 
ate you of an inferior sex, so make the best of it. 
An evil omen that the clock stopped to-night. 

Angela. Not to my thinking. I know we'll beat 
the Yankees yet. 

Endicott. To bed ! Peter Stirling comes a-woo- 
ing to-morrow. He has no fancy for pale cheeks. 

Angela. (Gets candle) Very well, father. But 
I'll not close my eyes for wishing I held that rebel 
spy at the point of a musket, as he held my Lord 
Howe's secretary. 

Endicott. I'll start the clock. 

Angela. Good-night, father. 
Endicott. Good-night. (^Angela exits r. En- 
dicott, at clock, hesitates.) I forgot my failing eyes. 
To-morrow will do. (Goes to mantel-shelf and blows 



12 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

out all the lights in candelabra. Takes single candle 
and exits with it R.j 

Warren. (Opens door of clock cautiously and 
steps out.) Old man, you had me like a bird in the 
snare, had you but known it. (Listens at door in 
flat.) The scent has grown cold. 

Watchman. (Heard in distance outside) Twelve 
o'clock and all is well. 

Warren. Twelve o'clock ! Well, friend Endi- 
cott, and beauteous Mistress Angela, though I've set 
back the hand of time, now I'll make amends. It 
will surprise you in the morning. 

(Fixes hands of clock at twelve and starts it going. 
Door R. opens slozvly and the gleam of a candle 
is seen. Angela enters cautiously. As she 
closes door behind her, Warren hastily steps 
inside clock again.) 

Angela. Midnight is a most uncanny time. (A 
thumping sound heard from inside clock.) What's 
that? (Reassured.) An apple rolling off into the 
rain-barrel doubtless. (Comes c.) Midnight, the 

hours of spells and charms Sh ! (Listens.) As 

I live, some elf has set the clock a-going. (Laughs, 
relieved.) What nonsense ! 'Twas father, before he 
went to bed. My heart thumped like a muffled fist 
a-beating at the door. (Starts back zvith stifled 
cry.) Only my shadow! Wicked shadow to make 
me look like a witch astride a broomstick ! (Ad- 
vances tozvard mirror r.) It is a bold shadow in- 
deed that dares to peer into the future knowing that 
it is old Peter Stirling she must see over her shoul- 
der. Ah, if the war had not come and changed the 

King's good subjects into rebels (Sighs, faces 

mirror, and weaves the candle back and forth above 
her head.) 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 13 

^"\1tches' hour and candle-light, 
Show me my true love to-night ; 

As to and fro the flame I pass, 
His face beside me in the glass. 

(As she speaks, Warren tiptoes tip behind her, and 
in the pause foil owing tlie verse, sJie sees his faee 
over her shoulder in the glass.) Ah! (Frightened, 
she cover's her eyes witJi her Jiand. Warren stoops 
behind fall chair. Angela gives a hasty glance 
around tJie room, but sees nothing.) His face — his 
face! Not Peter Stirling's! (Pause.) 'Twas but 
fancy. I'll weave the charm again. (Repeats verse 
as before witJi same business of candle above her 
head, etc. Warren tiptoes up and looks over her 
shoulder as before. She turns quickly and sees him.) 
Boyd Warren, you, really you! I thought it were 
a ghost ! 

Warren. There's my hand. Take it. The touch 
is warm and human. Did I frighten you? 

Angela. N-no. Something stopped my breath 
and tried to stifle me, that's all. But it were enough 
to frighten me to find you in this house at this hour. 
What brought you here? 

Warren. (Mischievously) That's easy answered. 
A witch, perched upon a tall black chimney, swooped 
down on me, and seizing rne by the hair whisked me 
oflf on a great yellow cloud ! But presently, down 
we came to this house, and she poked me through 
a hole in yonder window pane, telling me to look 
over your shoulder as you peered into that glass. 

Angela. (Saucily) W'ell, now that you've tes- 
tified so glibly, she's better come and whisk you 
away again. 

Warren. No, no, Angela. You wanted your 
truelove, and your truelove came. Oh, my little 
sweetheart ! 



14 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

Angela. (Staggers slightly and speaks in faint 
tone of remonstrance) Sweetheart? 

Warren. You are faint! 

Angela. (Recovering herself) No, not so. Sweet- 
heart, indeed ! You are too familiar in your speech, 
Master Warren. 

Warren. Then what meant my face there in the 
glass, Mistress Angela? 

Angela. It doubtless meant that even the pret- 
tiest mirror can give back a homely reflection if but 
a Yankee gaze into its depths. 

Warren. Why make mock of me like this? You 
were kinder on last May-day. You let me call you 
sweetheart then, not once but twice, and thrice, and 
had no word to say. 

Angela. Because your presumption had took 
away my breath. 

Warren. At parting, you even gave me a kiss. 

Angela. 'Tis most untrue. I never gave it you. 
(Short pause.) You stole it. 

Warren. But the next you gave. 

Angela. Oh, that is the worst of you men. You 
always remember the very things we wish you to 
forget. 

W^arren. How could I forget a single moment of 
that wonderful May-day. It was all too fair and 
precious. And do you not also remember? 

Angela. (Determinedly) Not a single word you 
spoke nor look you gave me ! I remember no more 
that dance upon the village green. I have forgot the 
music and the laughter, and that my heart was young 
that day. 

Warren. (Turns aside, hurt) Angela! 

Angela. (More lightly) It is only decorous that 
I should forget since three months from now sees 
me Peter Stirling's bride. 

Warren. (Aghast at the neivs) Peter Stirling? 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 15 

Old Peter Stirling, who glowered at us last May- 
day? That jealous, antiquated owl? You would not 
marry him? 

Angela. flFitli exaggerated meekness) It has 
been adjudged by my father the proper thing for 
me to do. 

Warren. Proper? Why. 'tis monstrous! He is 
old as Methusaleh. 

Angela. (With nioek gravity) Wisdom cometh 
with weight of years. 

Warren. And lean to the dying point. 

Angela. I am reputed a good cook, and mayhap 
will fatten him. 

Warren. Stiff-kneed as a saw-horse! 

Angela. I warrant I'll lead him a pretty dance 
despite his hobbling. 

Warren. Angela, who torment me so? 

Angela. (Goes through an imaginary dance with 
Peter) Come, my lord and master ! Unhinge your 
rusty joints and trip a measure with me. May a 
thousand sly witches tickle your stiff* knees until they 
bend and creak and creak and bend as back and forth 
and back and forth w^e go ! Bravo, Peter ! (Looks 
mischievously toivard Warren. J What young owlet 
glowers yonder as if to bid us halt? Three months 
from now, when I am Mistress Peter Stirling 

Warren. (Seizes Jier by the hand and brings 
her to a halt) Hold! I am half mad with jealousy. 
I cannot believe that the past is nothing to you when 
it means so much to me. All these weary months, 
sleeping and waking, I have been haunted by your 
lovely face, wreathed in the blossoms of May, as 
when we parted. I have seen again that twilight 
time, that one star that peered at us through the trees. 
And oh, Angela, your voice, your whispered words — 

Angela. Spoken by a maid with more heart than 
judgment, to one she thought a loyal subject of the 



i6 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

King. That May-day folly has passed forever, rebel 
Boyd Warren ! 

Warren. (With dignity) We rebels are but fol- 
lowing the dictates of our conscience. 

Angela. Do you call it following the dictates 
of your conscience to take arms against your law- 
ful sovereign — the King? To make one of that 
rabble who camp upon the hilltops yonder, and con- 
stantly annoy our troops with deeds of theft and cun- 
ning? Conscience? Treachery were a better word. 
(Suddenly suspicions.) For aught I know your 
presence in this town to-night bespeaks some mis- 
chievous intent. 

W^ARREN. Never to you or yours, Mistress Angela. 

Angela. So! Such half avowal is confession 
enough. I will not stoop to bandy further words 
with you. Good-night and good-bye, Master War- 
ren. (Turns her hack on him. He stands motion- 
less. Pause.) Well, are you gone? 

Warren. Angela, I am daring much for these 
few moments. Don't make them heavy hearted 
ones. The longest war comes to an end at last, and 
bitterest enemies make their peace when the truce is 
called 

Angela. How can one think of truce while war 
is raging? 

Warren. Spite of your coldness, I believe fate 
wills it that the roads we tread apart will narrow and 
narrow until there's but one road, and you and I 
walking along it side by side. (Seizes her hand.) 
Dearest, that road, that one road. In sunshine and 
shadow, you and I together. Does it not seem as 
fair to you as to me? Angela, if the war were 
over 

Angela. Ah, if the war were over, and I could 
again think of you as I did on that May-day long 
ago, then indeed might the one road seem fair and 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 17 

beautiful, sweet with wayside blossoms and the song 

of birds (He puts hand out tozvard her and 

she catches sight of the scar.) Ah ! (She recoils.) 

Warren. What is it? 

Angela. That scar — there, upon your hand ! 

Warren. A scratch got in a scrimmage. A trifle 
not worth your turning pale at, dear. 

Angela. The spy, the spy who broke into my 
Lord Howe's house to-night. You are he! 

Warren. What then? 

Angela. (With hitter scorn) So, 'twas to shield 
yourself you lingered here to bandy foolish words 
with me, using false vows of love but as a pretext 
to remain hidden from your enemies. Making a 
fool of me, and all the time your heart trembling 
with the fear of capture at each passing footstep ! 

Warren. Girl ! (Represses his fiery indigna- 
tion.) It is the Enidcott temper that speaks, not 
you, else were your words those not to be for- 
given. 

Angela. How dare you hold your head so high, 
while choosing to play the part of a spying mis- 
creant — a thief ? 

Warren. A soldier carries but one motto in his 
heart — "My country, first of all!" 

Angela. (Impetuously) That motto rings as 
true to me, a loyal daughter of the King, as it does 
to you. I'll prove it, sir. "My country, first of 
all." (Suddenly seises gun at side of fireplace and 
covers Warren with it, standing betzveen him and 
the door.) Surrender, traitor! 

Warren. (Dumbfounded) Angela! 

Angela. Father! Jason! Help! The spy ! The 
spy! (To Warren, as he takes a step tozvard her.) 
Halt, or I fire ! My aim is true ! One step further 
means your life. (Calls again.) Father! Father! 

Warren. And so you prove your love for me! 



i8 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

(Bows his head, and speaks zvith deep emotion.) 
No enemy's wound could equal this. 

Endicott. (Heard off) Coming! 

Jason. (Enters r. Cost nine and hair disar- 
ranged, as if he had been aroused from sleep. He 
is an elderly serving-man zuith stooped figure and 
white hair) Who shouted? 

Endicott. (Enters r.J God's truth, what have 
we here? 

Angela. The spy — I have trapped him ! 

Endicott. Jason, quick ! Ropes from the clothes 
press, f Jason hastens to door l. for rope.) Well 
done, girl ! (To Warren.j So you're the knave the 
town's been hunting for? 

Jason. (Comes forward zvith rope) A rare good 
fortune to capture a spy! 

Endicott. Hold out your hands, sirrah. ("War- 
ren does so.) 

Jason. With a good heart, I'll bind him. 

(Ties Warren's hands. Endicott assists and as 
the talk goes on they foree Warren into a 
chair and tie him to it. Angela, when she 
sees them binding htm, lowers gun.) 

Endicott. Aha ! The scar ! 'Tis the spy sure 
enough and no mistake. (To Angela, j Peter Stir- 
hng will be proud indeed to make you his spouse 
when I tell him what you have done to-night. 

Angela. (Impatiently) That were no reward to 
me. 

Endicott. (Delighted) The Endicott blood ! The 
Endicott blood. It shows in quick wit, in bravery! 
I could have done no better myself ! 

Jason. That rope a little tighter. Master. 

Endicott. And make sure on it 'tis a skillful 
knot. 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 19 

Jason. He is safe as we had him in a dungeon. 

Endicott. (As he and Jason stand off surveying 
Warren j Now, my fine fellow, when think you to 
break into my Lord Howe's house again? 

Warren. The fortunes of war will determine 
that. 

Endicott. My faith, it isn't — but it is — that same 
Yankee you danced with, Angela, on the green last 
May-day? (Laughs.) Bound up like a bundle of 
useless junk — what think you of him now? 

Angela. That he is a prisoner at our mercy, and 
for manners' sake you may not taunt him further. 
Our business with him is but to secure the papers 
that he stole. 

Endicott. True ! I was forgetting the papers. 
This capture has gone to my head like wine. (To 
Warren. j Come, now, where are they? Jason, 

that left hand pocket. I'll take the right- Not 

there? Well, then, his boot. 

Warren. (As they continue the search) Spare 
your pains, good friends. The papers were safe in 
another's hands before I had gone two rods." 

Angela. (Greatly disappointed) Then the cap- 
ture is in vain. 

Warren. Our General George Washington has 
read them through by now. 

Endicott. A plague upon these rebels. (To 
Angela.^ Do you fancy he speaks the truth. 

Warren. Search me again, and yet agam, if 
you like. But I swear you'll not find a scrap to re- 
ward you. My compliments upon your bravery. 
Mistress Endicott. It is a pity the deed is of no 
more consequence to the cause of your King. 

Angela. (Making the best of it) To capture a 
rebel, and one so cunning, it consequence enough. 

Endicott. I must make haste to headquarters 
and inform our general. (To Warren, j Turn your 



20 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

thoughts to words of prayer, sirrah. You know the 
punishment he metes out to spies. Angela, guard 
him well. Jason, attend her bidding. (Takes hat 
and exits hastily through door in fiat. Jason, at 
side, examines gun.) . 

Angela. (Comes close to Warren, speaks in low, 
frightened voice) He spoke of punishment. What 
did he mean? 

Warren. (Light, ironical manner) Vex not your 
head with such a trivial matter. 

Angela. (Still more alarmed) What did he 
mean? 

Warren. You've done your part by snaring me — 
let that suffice. 

Angela. (Regards him with troubled look for a 
moment, then turns to JasonJ Jason, for all we 
know this rebel ha,s friends outside, waiting for a 
chance to rescue him. Go, look up and down the 
road to make sure that the coast is clear. 

Jason. A wise thought, Mistress Endicott. (Exits 
door in flat, zvith gun.) 

Angela. (With agitated haste) I did not think 
of punishment for you. IMy mind went no further 
than getting the papers. Tell me, I pray you, what 
punishment my father meant. 

Warren. A merry dance at the end of a hang- 
man's rope, that's all. 

Angela. (Gaspingly) Not — death? 

Warren. (Cabuly) Before another day has come 
and gone. 

Angela. Ah, no, not that ! They could not be 
cruel enough for that. What you did was done 
openly like a soldier. You are not a spy. 

Warren. Spy, scout, or thief, such small distinc- 
tions have no weight with loyal subjects of the King. 
We're food for the gallows, all of us. 

Angela. (Recoiling in horror) The rope placed 



WITCHES' IIOCR— CANDLE LIGHT 21 

about your neck by my two hands ! You, so young 
and strong and daring to be hanged on a ghastly 
gallows tree ! Put to death because I trapped you. 
No, ah, no ! 'Tis torture. I cannot bear it. I will 
not have it on my soul. It shall not be, do you 
hear me ? I say it shall not ! 

Warren, (Sincerely sympathetic) I beg of you 
don't grieve like that. 

Angela. (With sudden inspiration) That door 
— (points to door r. j — it leads to another — and from 
thence there's a path through the orchard. I'll loose 
your bonds! (Goes hack of him and tries to untie 
the ropes.) 

Warren. With your watch-dog l^ack in a mo- 
ment? 'Tis wasted trouble. 

Angela. (Working desperately) God give me 
strength ! 

Jason. (Outside) I see no one? ("Angela .y far/.? 
lip and steps azvay from Warren. Enter Jason. J 
The road is empty. (He crosses toward Warren. J 
I looked well for any lurking stranger, and if one 

had but shown his face (Looks at Warren's 

loosened bonds) How's this? The rope is half un- 
done. \Miat's happened to it? 

Angela. ''Half undone?" Why do you stare at 
me for answer? The knots were of your tying. 

Jason. But it has been tampered with. Your 
woman's heart has failed you. 

Angela. (Assuming great indignation) Enough ! 
Do you dare accuse me of trying to set this pris- 
oner free? 

Jason. (Scratching his head in perplexity) Then 
who is to blame? 

Angela. Yourself, for your awkward work. The 
knot slipped. 'Tis such an one a woman might have 
tied. In another moment he could have loosed him- 
self. 



22 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

JasujN. (As if yet only Jnilf convinced by her 
ivords) A sailor's twist, that's counted fast. 'Tis 
very strange ! 

Angela. (Scornfully) A sailor's twist indeed! 
You've a twist in your brain to call it so. 

Jason. (Rctying the rope) Don't rate me, mis- 
tress. 

Angela. Must I teach you how to guard a pris- 
oner as well as how to capture him? (Watches him 
uneasily.) Go get more rope, you stupid dolt. 

Jason. We have him fast this time. I have tied 
the knot as strong again as it was before. 

Angela. More rope, I say. 

Jason. Nay, it is not needful. 

Angela. (Goes to door l. and opens it.) There's 
a coil on that topmost shelf. I saw it yesterday. 

Jason. But, mistress, if you will but test the 
knot 

Angela. Bring a chair. It will take one to reach 
so high. (As Jason brings it.) I do not trust those 
sailor's twists of yours. Inside! Inside! ('Jason 
carries chair inside door l.) I'll hold the light. 

Jason. (From inside) I do not see the rope. 

Angela. There, above your head. First, hand 
me those shears to cut a length. 

Jason. (From inside, hands out shears) There 
are the shears, but I see no rope at all. 

Angela. Because there is none to see. (Closes 
door on him and locks it.) 

Jason. (From inside door) Let me out! What 
should I do in here? 

Angela. Tie sailor's twists and hold your tongue ! 

Jason. Open the door. (Bangs ivpon it.) 

Angela. (Goes back t'o Warren, and begins cut- 
ting at rope) The quieter you are, Jason, the sooner 
you'll get out. (To Warren. j There's not a mo- 
ment to lose, but these shears will make quick work ! 



WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 22, 

Warren. Your little tinj^ers flutter like fric^ht- 
ened birds. 

Jason. (Inside closet) I'm smothering. 

Angela. Smothering is good for you. (Almost in 
despair.) Oh, these shears cut but a thread at a 
time ! 

Warren. Angela, you— a loyal daughter of the 
King. Think well what you are doing! 

Angela. I think of nothing but your safety — 
what else matters? 

Warren. Stop, I beg of you. How could you 
answer to your Tory kin for such a breach of faith? 

Angela. Even if they imprison me, send me to 
the whipping post. I would still release you. 

Warren. Do you fancy I would purchase my 
freedom at such a cost? 

Angela. (Gives cry of triumph) There, the 
strands are parting ! One strong pull and they'll fall 
asunder. Free yourself! Why do you hesitate? 
Quick, quick ! At any moment father and the oth- 
ers may return. 

Warren. And leave you here alone to face them 
when they come? Nay. 

Angela, I care not for that, I say. Ah, go, go, 
I pray you. For my sake ! 

Warren. (With great intensity) P'or your sake? 
Of only one man should a woman ask a favor in 
such words — the man she loves. 

Angela. (On her knees) And if I ask it still? 

Warren. Angela ! 

Angela. On my knees I beg of you — go! 

Warren. (Springs up, free) Then you go with 
me ! 

Angela. (Amazed) What? 

Warren. Not a furlong away my friends are 
waiting with escort and trusty steeds. The Magis- 



24 WITCHES' HOUR— CANDLE LIGHT 

trate across the river knows me well. Once we have 
reached his home, he will make us man and wife. 

Angela. Man and wife — and you — a rebel ! Ah, 
I dare not ! 

Warren. Then here I stay. Let them take me 
and welcome. 

Angela. On one side my country, my father, my 
home On the other 

Warren. A ragged rebel who loves vou, that is 
all. 

Endicott. (Heard is distance) This way ! I 
left him well guarded! 

Angela. My ragged rebel sweetheart, I choose 
you! (He places Jiis ami about Jier and they rush 
off through door r.) 

Endicott. (Pounds on the door) Why have you 
locked the door? Open in the name of the King! 

Jason. (Pounds on closet door) Let me out — in 
the name of the King! 

Endicott. (Roars) Let us in, Angela. Let us 
in! 

Jason. (Pounds on other door) Let me out! 

(Continued poundijig and shouting.) 
CURTAIN 



The Touch-Down 

A comedy in four r.cts, by Marior; Short. 8 males, 6 females, but 
any number of chariicters can be "latroduced in the ensembles. Cos- 
tumes modern. One interior scene throughout the play. Time, 2^ 
hours. 

This play, written for the use of clever amateurs, is the story of 
life in Siddell, a Pennsylvania co-educational college. It deals with 
the vicissitudes and final triumph of the Siddell Football Eleven, and 
the humorous and dramatic incidents connected therewith. 

"The Touch-Down" has the true varsity atmosphere, college songs 
are sung, and the piece is lively and entertaining throughout. High 
schools will make no mistake in producing this play. We strongly 
recommend it as a high-class and well-written comedy. 

Price, 30 Cents. 

Hurry^ Hurry^ Hurry 

A comedy in three acts, by LeRoy Arnold. 5 males, 4 females. 
One interior scene. Costumes modern. Plays 2^ hours. 

The story is based on the will of an eccentric aunt. It stipulates 
that her pretty niece must be affianced before she is twenty-one, and 
married to her fiance within a year, if she is to get her spinster 
relative's million. Father has nice notions of honor and fails to tell 
daughter about the will, so that she may make her choice untram- 
meled by any other consideration than that of true love. The action 
all takes place in the evening the midnight of which will see her 
reach twenty-one. Time is therefore short, and it is hurry, hurry, 
hurry, if she is to become engaged and thus save her father from 
impending bankruptcy. 

The situations are intrinsically funny and the dialogue is sprightly. 
The characters arc natural and unaffected and the action moves with 
a snap such as should be expected from its title. Price, 30 Cents. 

The Varsity Coach 

A three-act play of college life, by Marion Short, specially adapted 
to performance by amateurs or high school students. 5 males 6 
females, but any number of boys and girls may be introduced in the 
action of the play. Two settings necessary, a college boy's room and 
the university campus. Time, about 2 hours. 

Like many another college boy, "Bob" Selby, an all-round popular 
college man, becomes possessed of the idea that athletic prowess is 
more to be desired than scholarship. He is surprised in the midst of 
a "spread" in his room in Regatta week by a visit from his aunt 
who is putting him through college. Aunt Serena, "a lady of the old 
school and the dearest little woman in the whole world," has hastened 
to make thig visit to her adored nephew under the mistaken impression 
that he is about to receive the Fcllowes prize for scholarship. Her 
grief and chagrin when she learns that instead of the prize Robert 
has received "a pink card," which is equivalent to suspension for poor 
scholarship, gives a touch of pathos to an otherwise jolly comedy of 
college life. How the repentant Robert more than redeems himself, 
carries off honors at the last, and in the end wins Ruth, the faithful 
little sweetheart of the "Prem" and the classroom, makes a story of 
dramatic interest and brings out very clearly certain phases of modern 
college life. There are several opportunities for the introduction of 
college songs and "stunts." Price, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH. 28-30 West 38th Street, New Yoci City 

New and Exptielt Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free o? Request 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

iilliillllllilllillllllllillilii 

015 937 650 3 • 



The Return of Hi Jinks 



4 



A cornetly in four acts, by Marion Slicrt, author' of "The Varsity 
Coach," "The Touch-Down." etc. ' 6 males, 8 females. Costumes 
modern. One interior scene. 

This comedy is founded upon and elaborated from a farce comedy 
in two acts written by J. H. Horta, and originally produced at Tuft's 
College. 

Hiram Poynter Jinks, a Junior in Hoosic College (Willie Collier 
type), and a young moving picture actress (Mary Pickford type), are 
the leading characters in this lively, modern farce. 

Thomas Hodge, a Senior, envious of the popula'ity of Jinks, wishes 
to think up a scheme to throw ridicule upon him during a visit of 
the Hoosic Glee Club to Jinks's home town. Jinks has obligingly acted 
as a one-day substitute in a moving picture play, in which there is a 
fire scene, and this gives Hodge his cue. He sends what seems to 
be a bona fide account of Jink's heroism at a Hoosic fire to Jink's 
home paper. Instead of repudiating his laurels as expected, Jinks 
decides to take a flyer in fame, confirms the fake story, confesses to 
being a hero and is adored^ by all the girls, to the chagrin and dis- 
comfiture of Hodge. Of course, the truth comes out at last, but 
jinks is not hurt thereby, and his romance with Mimi Maytlower 
comes to a successful termination. 

This is a great comedy for amateurs. It is full of funny situations 
and is sure to please. Price, 30 Cents. 



June 



A most successful comedy-drama in four acts, by Marie Doran, 
author of "The New Co-Ed," "Tempest and Sunshine," "Dorothy's 
Neighbors," etc. 4 males, 8 females. One interior scene. Costumes 
modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

This play has a very interesting group of young people. June is 
an appealing little figure, an orphan living with her aunt. There arc 
a number of delightful, life-like characters: the sorely tried likeable 
Mrs. Hopkins, the amusing, haughty Miss Banks of the glove depart- 
ment, the lively Tilly and Milly, who work in the store, and ambitious 
Snoozer; Mrs. Hopkins's only son, who aspires to be President of the 
I'nited States, but finds his real sphere is running the local trolley 
car. The play is simplicity itself in the telling of an every-day story, 
and the scenic requirements call for only one set, a room in the 
boarding house of Mrs. Hopkins, while an opportunity is afforded to 
introduce any number of extra characters. Musical numbers may be 
introduced, if desired. Price, 30 Cents. 

Tempest and Sunshine 

A comedy drama in four acts, by Marie Doran. 5 males and 3 
females. One exterior and three interior scenes. Plays about 2 hours 

Every school girl has revelled in the sweet simplicity and gentle- 
ness of the characters interwoven in the charms that Mary J. Holmes 
command*-- in her story of "Tempest and Sunshine."' We can strongly 
recommend this play as one of the best plays for high school pro- 
duction published in recent years. Pr.ce, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 3Sth Street, New York City 

New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request 



